The Irish Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is a special category of immigration that is aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals and investors to Ireland. An Irish Stamp 4 holder can get a range of benefits, including:
Social Benefits for Children:
Ireland’s social security system includes child benefits to help families take care of their children. Irish permanent residence holders are entitled to child benefits, which include child allowance, crèche allowance, and school meal allowance.
- Child Benefit: Child Benefit is a monthly payment of €140 to support parents and guardians. It is paid for each child who:
- normally lives with you and is fully supported by you.
- is under 16, or under 18 if in full-time education, full-time training, or has a disability and cannot support themselves.
The Irish Government Child Benefit to eligible families to help them cover their children’s daily expenses. The amount of the child benefit depends on the age of the child and family income. Each child will be provided 140 euros per month until the child reaches the age of 18. Child Benefit is not paid on behalf of children 18 or older, even if they stay in education or training.
- Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance:
This is an annual payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of school clothing and footwear for children. The payment is means-tested and is available to families who receive certain social welfare payments or who have a low income. There are two rates of payment. They are age-related.
The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 is €160. The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 is €285.00. Children aged between 18 and 22 years must be returning to full-time Second Level education in a recognized school or college.
- The School Meals Programme
The Irish Government provides a school meal allowance to eligible families to help them pay for their children’s meals. The School Meals Programme provides funding for the provision of food services for eligible school children. The amount of the school meal allowance depends on factors such as family income, and the amount of the weekly allowance is about 40 euros per child.
- Family Income Supplement:
This is a weekly payment made to families who are working and who have low incomes. It gives extra financial support to families with children with rates depending on their incomes and family size. The payment is means-tested and is available to families with at least one child under the age of 18.
- Free Preschool Year:
All children in Ireland are entitled to one free preschool year, which is available from the age of 3 until they start primary school. The preschool year is provided through a range of community-based and private preschool services.
The State pays a capitation fee directly to participating playschools and day-care services. In return, they provide a pre-school service free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range for a set number of hours over a set period of weeks.
Ireland’s social security system also includes several other child-related benefits, such as free medical care for children under the age of 6, regardless of whether their parents have a GP health card or not. Public school students aged 6-12 receive free school healthcare services, dental treatment, and vaccination services, as well as an allowance for disabled children and single-parent families. These benefits are designed to help families take care of their children and reduce their burden.
Maternity benefits
In Ireland, there are several maternity benefits available to support women who are pregnant and who are taking time off work to have a baby. These benefits include:
- Maternity Benefit:
Maternity Benefit is a payment made to women who are pregnant and who are taking time off work to have a baby. The payment is means-tested and is available to women who have paid enough social insurance contributions. The payment is €250 a week for 26 weeks, or 156 days, beginning from the date the baby is due.
- Maternity Leave:
Maternity Leave is a period off work that women are entitled to take when they have a baby. In Ireland, women are entitled to take 26 weeks of Maternity Leave, which can be extended by a further 16 weeks of unpaid Maternity Leave.
- Maternity Protection:
Maternity Protection is a set of employment rights that are designed to protect the health and safety of pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace. These rights include the right to time off for antenatal care, the right to a safe working environment, and the right to return to work after Maternity Leave.
- Parental Leave:
Parental Leave is a period off work that parents are entitled to take to care for their children. In Ireland, parents are entitled to take 26 weeks of Parental Leave, which can be taken up until the child’s 12th birthday.
These benefits are designed to support women who are pregnant and new mothers, to ensure that they have access to time off work, financial support, and employment rights.
Medical Benefits
Ireland’s Medical Card Scheme provides cardholders with free healthcare services. There are also several medical benefits available to residents in Ireland, including:
The Medical Card provides access to free healthcare services, including doctor visits, prescription medications, and hospital care. The card is means-tested and is available to those who meet certain income requirements.
The GP Visit Card provides access to free doctor visits for those who do not qualify for a Medical Card but who have a low income. The card covers visits to a general practitioner (GP) and certain other healthcare services.
- Prescription Charges:
Prescription medications are provided free of charge to those with a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. For those who do not have a medical card, a prescription charge of €2 per item applies, up to a maximum of €20 per month.
- Maternity and Infant Care Scheme:
The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides free maternity and infant healthcare services to all expectant mothers and children up to the age of 6 years. The scheme includes a series of free antenatal visits, postnatal visits, and developmental checks for children.
- National Cancer Screening Programmes:
The National Cancer Screening Programmes provide free screening for certain types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and bowel cancer. The programmes are designed to detect cancer early when it is more treatable.
- Emergency Medical Services:
Emergency medical services, including ambulance and paramedic services, are provided free of charge to all residents in Ireland.
Ireland’s medical are designed to ensure that all residents have access to basic healthcare services, regardless of their income or ability to pay.
Elder Benefits
The Guardian reported Ireland as one of the most suitable countries for the elderly in the world. Additionally, Ireland has ranked 4th in the 2021 Global Retirement Index (GRI) released by the world’s authoritative top financial institution Natixis.
Ireland’s social security system includes old-age benefits designed to help seniors access basic living support.
- State Pension:
The State Pension is a regular payment made to those who have reached retirement age and who have paid enough social insurance contributions. The pension is means-tested and is available to those who meet certain income requirements.
The amount of pension depends on factors such as the individual’s social security record and social insurance contributions, with a maximum pension of 248.30 euros per week.
- Fuel Allowance:
Fuel Allowance is a payment made to those who are receiving certain social welfare payments and who need help with their heating bills during the winter months. The payment is means-tested and is made for a period of 28 weeks.
- Free Travel:
Free Travel is a scheme that provides free travel on public transport, including buses, trains, and trams, to those who are receiving certain social welfare payments and who are over the age of 66.
- Household Benefits Package:
The Household Benefits Package provides financial assistance to older adults to help with the cost of electricity, gas, and telephone bills. The package is available to those who are receiving certain social welfare payments and who are over the age of 66.
- Home Care Packages:
Home Care Packages provide home care services, including personal care, household help, and respite care, to those who need assistance with daily activities. The packages are means-tested and are available to those who meet certain income requirements.
- Nursing Home Support Scheme:
The Nursing Home Support Scheme provides financial assistance to those who need long-term nursing home care. The scheme is means-tested and is available to those who meet certain income and asset requirements.
Ireland’s elder benefits support older adults in Ireland and ensure that they have access to necessities, healthcare services, and financial assistance when needed.
In conclusion, obtaining Ireland Stamp 4 through the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme offers a range of benefits, not only for the investor themselves but also for their families, including children and the elderly. Ireland offers a comprehensive range of social benefits, including medical benefits, maternity benefits, and benefits for older adults, such as State Pension, Fuel Allowance, and Home Care Packages.
These benefits are designed to support families and individuals in need and to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities, healthcare services, and financial assistance when required. By obtaining Ireland Stamp 4 through the Immigrant Investor Programme, families can benefit from fast-track immigration, access to the European Union, business opportunities, education, and healthcare services, and eligibility for Irish citizenship, in addition to the social benefits available. Therefore, the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme is an excellent opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to invest in Ireland and build a successful and fulfilling life for themselves and their families.
